Typewriting machine



Aug. 4, 1925. 1,548,498

J. A. WHERRY TYPEWRITING MACHINE Filed May 2. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet l Patented Aug. 4, 1925.

UNITED STATES rArsNr orrics.

JOHN A. WHERRY, OF NEXV ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, ASSIGNOR TO UNDERWOOID- TYPE- WRITER COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

TYPEWRITING MACHINE.

Application filed May 2,

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN A. lVHERRY, a citizen of the United States, residing in New Orleans, in the parish of Orleans and State of Louisiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Typewrit-ing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a method of typing a succession of bill and ledger sheets, and to a typewriting machine for carrying out such method.

Objects of the invention are to enable a succession of sheets to be typed rapidly, one after the other, and at the same time to produce multiple copies.

A feature of novelty resides in inserting a first sheet from the rear, around beneath the platen, and up past the printing line, and subsequently inserting the sheets successively, one after the other, downwardly at the front between the platen and the top margin of the preceding sheet in slightly underlapping relation therewith, the platen being rotated so as to bring the successive sheetsdown to the printing line, and to deliver the typed sheets at the rear of the platen, so that, as the platen is rotated, each newly-inserted sheet is guided, by the next preceding sheet, to pass downwardly and rearwardly between the platen and the usual paper-guiding devices associated with the platen. The sheets may thus be accumulated at the rear of the platen without attention from the operator, in the same order in which they are typed.

The bill and statement sheets may be arranged to form anovel entry-sheet. This may comprise a, bill-part having joined thereto a ledger or record-part and a stubpart to be folded into superimposed rela tion therewith, so that, by means of interleaved carbon-sheets, all of said sheet-parts may be typed at the same time and afterwards separated. More particularly, the bottoms of the bill-part and record-part may be connected together along a transverse weakened line of detachment, along which the folding into superimposed relation may take place, and the stub-part may be connected with one of the sides of the bill-part alonga vertical weakened line of 1922. Serial No. 557,873.

detachment, upon which the folding into superimposed relation may take place; and each of said sheet-parts may have thereon a form comprising suitable item-designations to be brought into alignment when the sheet is folded for typing, so that items typed will appear under the proper itemdeslgnations on each of the parts of the sheet. The novel entry-sheet forms the subject of my divisional application, Serial No. 644,235, filed June 8, 1928. The provision of a sheet of this character is important, however, in carrying out the method of this application, since the forms are selfregistering, the carbons'are retained in cor rect relation to the work-sheets during downward insertion at the front of the machine, and there is but one leading edge to contend with, the folded lower edge, during the insertion of the work.

The novel typewriting machine forming a feature of the present invention is a revoluble-platen front-feed machine of the front-strike type, that is, a machine in which the frontof the platen is the introductory side and the rear of the platen is the delivery side. The machine includes a front sheet-introducer, comprising a rotary platen, a front chute including side gage for guiding a sheet to be introduced down to the front of the platen into underlapped relation to a sheet in the machine, and a paper-deflector bet-ween the side gages and spaced a short distance in frontof the platen to hold the sheet in the machine back against the platen at the writing line while permitting said sheet to form a wide-mouthed funnel with the floor of the chute and with the platen for the reception of the downwardlyintroduced sheet. The sheet-deflector, besides holding the sheet in the machine back against the platen at the lineof writing, causes said sheet to extend in close proximity to the platen for a considerable distance, but does not hold itfast against the platen, so that a very acute bight is formed within which the sheet to be introduced can be gripped evenly at any position within a considerable range. This gives the operator latitude in the positioning of the new sheet relatively to the one in the machine. A receptacle for the accumulation of the typed worksheets is provided at the rear of the platen, in which the sheets may be accumulated without attention from the operator.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear. a

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic end view of a platen-frame and some 'of the associated parts of the typewriting machine, and'shows how the first and second sheets are inserted in carrying out the 1nethod, the.e first sheet being shown at the typing position;

Figure 2 is a similar View, showing a third sheet inserted from the front and being guided past the edge of the usual paperapron by the preceding sheet as the platen is rotated, to bring the last-inserted sheet down to the typing position.

Figure 3 is a similar view, showing how the successively-typed sheets are delivered at the rear of the platen, and with the last sheet inserted being brought to the typing position.

Figured 1s a partly diagrammatic front elevation, on a reducedscale, of the platenframe, platen and paper-guiding devices, an entry-sheet being shown inbroken lines.

Figure 5 i a plan view of one of the entry-sheets in fiat condition, and shows the side thereof which bears the forms for the record-part or ledgensheet and forthe stub part of the bill.

Figure 6 is a perspective View, showing one way of folding the entry-sheet, to bring its, three parts into superimposed relation, and shows the ledger-sheet or record-part at the front, the bill-part at the back and the stub-part interposed between the billpart and record-part.

Figure 7 is a similar View, on a reduced scale, showing thebill-part at the front and the record-part or ledger-sheet at the back, with the stub-part interposed between the bill-part and record-part.

; In carrying out the method of the present invention, the first sheet A is inserted at the rear of the revoluble platen 1 over a shelf or rear paperetable 2, ant. is guided around beneath the platen above the usual releasable feed-rolls 3 by means of the usual paper-apron 4, and is advanced. to the front of the platen past the printing point thereon, indicated in Figure 1 by the raised typehead 5, where it may be held in position by the usual wing-scales 6 (Figure l), and

shown in FWUI'G 1 but which ma be swun away from the platen by rotation about a transverse rod 14 along which the lateral guides or side-edge gages 12 are slidably adjustable, to accommodate sheets of different widths. The gage-supporting rod 14 is" fixed at its ends in brackets 15, which are secured upon the end walls 11 of the platenframe. The outstanding lateral guides 12 enable all of the suecessively-inserted sheets to be inserted and maintained in lateral alignment.

When the first sheet A has been typed,

then a second entry-sheet B is inserted d-own- V wardly at the front of the platen between. the lateral guides 12 over the flo0r-portions 13 thereof and between the platen and the top margin of the first sheet A, in slightly underlapping relation with the sheet A, as shown in Figure 1. The sheet 13 is pushed down just far enough to cause its lower margin to be caughtbetween the platen and the back of the sheet A, which will be held against the sheet B by the usual paperguiding devices, including the a roll 4 and the wing-scales 6. The front rol er 8, which is located in proximity to and above the printing point, is free from or clear of the platen,- so as to hold the outer worksheet A in printing position relatively to the platen while permitting the sheet to diverge upwardly and forwardly relatively to the floor-portion 13, thereby making a flaring throat with the front of the platen andpermitting the downward introduction of the succeeding sheet B past the roller 8, between. the sheet A and the platen, as shown in Figure 1. The rollerS may be termed a sheet-deflector. hen the lower edge of the newly-inserted sheet B is in positionto be gripped by the platen, the platen may be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figures 2 and 3, by means of the finger-wheels 9, for bringing this second sheet B down to the writing position, while the first sheet A is fed around the platen to the rear, by means of the feedrolls 3, under the platen. As the platen is thus rotated, the lower edge of the front-inserted sheet B will be guided by the overlapping first-inserted sheet A down past the paperguiding devices comprising the wing-scales 6 and front edge of the paper-apron/l. After the typing of the, front-inserted second sheet B, a third sheet C is similarly inserted downwardly at the front of the platen at the back of the upper margin 0f lit) the sheet B, and againthe platenis rotated,

as indicated by the arrow in Figure 2, for,

sert-ed, one after the other, at the front of the platen and brought down to the typing position, and, after being typed, are delivered at the rear of the platen, each upon the next preceding typed sheet, on the receptacle 2, as shown in Figure 3, which shows the sheets A, B, C and D as having been typed and delivered upon the receptacle, while a typed sheet- E is being delivered and a last-inserted sheet F is being brought to the typing position as the platen rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. The adjustable side-edge gages 12, together with their floor-portions 13, form an introductory chute at the front of the platen for the downwardly-inserted sheets,

as shown in Figures 1 and 4:. The rear feed-rolls 8 form an abutment or stop at the rear of the platen to hold the accumulated typed sheets clear of the platen, as

shown in Figure 3. The typed entry-sheets A, B, C, D, etc., are permitted to accumulate, one upon another, in a stack upon the rear paper-table 2, as shown in Figure 3, until the stack has reached convenient proportions for handling, for example, fifty sheets, whereupon all of the typed sheets may be removed together.

In the novel typewriting machine for carrying out the novel method, no sheetdirecting means at the front of the platen are required other than the adjustable chute-forming side gages 12, so that the front and top of the platen are otherwise clear of any device which might interfere with the downward insertion of the worksheets or with the free manipulation and adjustment of the side gages. Also, as here inbefore noted, the front of the platen above the printing line is clear of paper-feeding devices, and the small sheet-holding roller 8 is spaced from the platen, thereby providing for the unobstructed introduction of a work-sheet downwardly in underlap ping relation to the previouswork-sheet, as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, and as shown in the drawings, this novel type writing 'machine' requires no line-spacing mechanism other than the finger-wheels 9, by means of which succes'sively-inserted work-sheets maybe quickly lowered to the typing position and the typed sheets delivered rearwardly of the platen upon the receptacle 2 there provided.

One of the entry-sheets, such as A, B, C, etc., appearing in Figures 1 to 4:, inclusive, is shown in detail in Figures 5 to 7, in elusive. The entry-sheet comprises a billpart 16, which may be a statement or invoice, a record-part 17, which may be a ledger-sheet, as indicated in the drawings, and a stub-part 18 for the bill-part 16. The lower or bottom edges of the bill-part 16 and of the record-part 17 are joined and are detachably connected along a transverse weakened line of detachment 19, indicated in the drawings as a line of perforations. In the form of the invention shown in the drawings, the bill-part l6 and record-part 17 are of the same width, and ar also of the same length. The stub-part 18 is shown at the right side of the bill-part 16, and is detachably connected therewith along a vertical weakened line of detachment 20, indicated in the drawings as a line of perforations. The lateral stub 18 is of the same length but of less width than the bill 16. Upon each of the sheet-parts, at the top thereof, there is an identifying designation, such designations being shown in the drawings as Bill, Ledger sheet, Stub. Each of the sheet-parts also bears on its front or face a form which may comprise suitable itemdesignations arranged transversely in columns, each column being provided with the proper heading. In the particular entry-sheet shown in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, the bill-part 16 is shown as provided with seven item-designations for corresponding item-receiving columns, while the record-part or ledger-sheet 17 is provided with the same item-receiving columns and item-designations similarly arranged from left to right; and the ledgersheet 17 is also further provided, at the right side, with four additional columndesignations and columns to receive additional data, which is to appear upon the ledger-sheet but not upon the bill, nor upon the stub, and which in some cases may be filled in upon the ledger-sheet at a later date. The lateral stub-part 18 is shown as provided with only three item-receiving columns and column-designations, which correspond to the last three columns and column-designations on the bill-part 16, and which also correspond to the fifth, sixth and seventh columns and column-designations on the ledger-sheet or record-part 17, as it is desired that the stub-part shall contain information corresponding only to a part of the information which is typed upon the bill-part 16 and record-part 17.

It is to be noted that the item-designations on the bill-part 16 are upon one side of the entry-sheet, while the item-designations for the record-part 17 and for the stub-partj 18 are upon the other side of the entry-sheet.

It is to be further noted that'the item-receiv'- mg columns and column-designatlons on the 'ibill-part 16 are in vertical alignment wit-h the corresponding columns and colilmndesignations on the record-part or ledgersheet 17, and that the column-designations on each of these sheet-parts are arranged 'at the same distance from the tops or upper edges thereof, so that, when the bill-part 16 and the record-part 17 are folded overtowards each other along the transverse perforated line 19, as indicated in Figure6 or 7, the columns and item-designations on the bill-part 16 will be brought into correct reg-' the perforated line 20, the columns and itemdesignations on the stub-part will be brought into register with the corresponding columns and item-designations on the bill-part 16, as indicated in Figures 6 and 7; and also at the same time, obviously, will be brought into register with the corresponding columns and columnalesignations on.the record-part or ledger-sheet 17 in the folded condition of the entry-sheet. It follows, therefore, that, when the entry-sheet is folded from the flat condition thereof shown in Figure 5,. along the'perfoi'ated lines 19. and 20, the threesheet-parts will be superimposed with the corresponding columns and item-designations of all the sheet-parts in proper register, as

will be clear from Figures 6 and 7, in which,

however, the folded superimposed sheetparts are shown as slightly separated for clarity of illustration.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate, respectively, two different ways in which the flat entrysheet shown in Figure 5 may be folded for bringing its three parts into superimposed relation fortyping all these parts at the same time. In Figure 6 the stub-part 18-is shown as folded over upon the front of the bill-part. 16, and the bill-part 16 and ledger sheet "17 are folded together with the. ledgersheet 17 at the front while the bill-part 16 is at the back of the ledger-sheet 17 with the stub-part 18 interposed between the billpart 16 and ledger-sheet. 17. According to the manner of folding the entry-sheetshown in Figure 7, the stub-part 18 is folded over upon the back of the bill-part 16, while the bill-part 16 and ledger-sheet 17 are folded together with the bill-part 16 at the; front,

and the ledger-sheet 17 at the back, with the stub part 18- interposed between the billpart 16 and the ledger'sheet 17. It is to be understood, of course, that carbon-sheets will be interleaved betweenthe respective sheetparts, so as to reproduce the items desired.

Inthe manner of folding the entry-sheet shown in Figure 6, the ledger-sheet 17 will be an original or ribbon-copy while the bill 16 and its stub 18 will be carbon-copies. Ac

cording to the manner of folding the entry-i,

sheet shown in Figure 7, the bill 16 will be the original or ribbon-c0py while the ledgersheet 17 and bill-stub 18 will be,carbon-,

copies. Obviously, if desired, the stub 18 could be folded overbehind both the ledgersheet 17 and the bill 16. e 1

.After the typing operation,.the ledger-i sheet 17 isdetachedand kc at in the o-fiice while the bill 16 together with its attached stub 18 is sent to the customer, who detaches the stub 18 from the bill 16, keeping the bill and returning the stub with his check, as is customary. The recordpart or ledger-sheet- 17 is shown as provided in its upper margin with holes 21 for use sheet. 7

- In Figure are shown on the bill 16 and its stub 18, in-

stead of the seven columns shown in Fig ures 5 and 6, thereby, in Figure 7, providing for an additional ltem whlch may also appear in a corresponding additional column" on the ledger-sheet 17.

In making out in succession numerous small bills, such as electric-light-bills, of which samples are shown in the drawings, gas-bills, and the like, which usually contain only. one or possibly twolines of writing, and of which it is desired to have an ofiice record and also a returnable stub, it has been found that much time can be saved by the hereinbefore-described rapid method of typing and by the use of the three-part sheet shownin the drawings, and also by the use of the novel typewriting machine shown in the drawings and hereinbefore described.

Variations maybe resorted to within the scope of the invention, and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

,Having thus described my invention, I

claim:

1 1. In a front-feed,front-strike typewrit ing machine, the combinationwith writing instrumentalities, of a front introducer for work-sheets comprising (1)121 revoluble cylindrical platen, (2) a sheet-deflector in proximity to but spaced from the platen above the writing line thereof to hold back. 111 writing pos tion a work-sheet 1n the ma chine,and to cause said sheet to form, with the platen a veryacute bightfor gripping uniformly and drawingdown to writingpos tion an underlapped succeeding sheet in filing the ledger eight 7 item-receivingcolumns inserted downward in said bight, and a guiding and supporting chute for the succeeding sheet comprising side gages, located at opposite sides of the deflector, and having floor portions extending downward in convergent relation to the worksheet held back by the deflector, to form a funnel therewith, said side gages being completely separated to give clearance for the passage of the operators fingers between them clear down to the platen, so that the operator may conveniently draw forward the upper edge of the sheet in the machine to increase the width of the mouth of the funnel formed by said sheet and the floor portions of the side gages, or may press said sheet in the machine back against the platen to increase the grip of the platen and said sheet upon the underlapped sheet which is being introduced into the machine.

2. In a front-feed typewriting machine of the front-strike type, the combination with a revoluble platen, of a work-introducing chute standing approximately in vertical position above the front of the platen and extending down substantially to the printing line thereon, and comprising a pair of side gages each having a floor portion, said gages being separated to give clearance for the introduction of the operators fingers between the work-sheet and the platen, the platen being clear of paper-feeding devices above the printing line, so as to permit the ready introduction of a work-sheet downwardly in under-lapping relation to the previous work-sheet, means immediately below the printing line to hold the worksheets against the platen, said holding means tending to cause a stiff work-sheet to project upwardly and forwardly therefrom in a position tangential to the platen, a sheet-deflector between the side gages to engage the upper portion of the work-sheet between its ends, to bend it back sufiiciently to hold it against the platen at the printing line and cause the sheet to form with the platen an acute bight for the entry of an underlapped sheet inserted downwardly in said bight, a feed-roll running upon the bottom of the platen, and means at the delivery side of the platen, namely, the rear thereof, in position to receive and acccumulate the typed work-sheets discharged by the platen.

3. In a front-feed typewriting machine of the front-strike type, the combination with a revoluble laten, of a front sheetintroducen comprising a sheet-supporting floor above the platen, at the front thereof, and a sheet-deflector, in proximity to but spaced from the platen above the writing line thereof, to hold a work-sheet in the machine back in writing position, but far enough forward to diverge the sheet upwardly and forwardly from the floor to form a funnel therewith for the reception of a succeeding work-sheet fed down along the floor to the platen, feed-rolls co-operating with the platen to feed the work-sheets around the platen from front to rear, and to deposit them at the rear of the platen, and a receiving bin on the carriage at the delivery side of the platen to receive the work-sheets from the platen and accumulate them.

JOHN A. l/VHERRY.

WVitnesses H. T. UNDERWOOD, FRANoIs P. BURNS. 

